Contemporary Islamic architecture is redefining perceptions of tradition in a modern global world.

Here are 15 contemporary examples of Islamic architecture from around the world, that highlight innovative uses of forms & materials through context and locality

A thread… 1/ Cologne Central Mosque, Germany

The largest & grandest mosque in Germany. Cologne mosque is now regarded as a symbol of integration & symbol of the birth of German mosque architecture. The futuristic mosque is mainly characterized by the large dome.

Did you know there are approximately 4,000 Spanish words with Arabic origins?

The influence of Arabic on the Spanish language is due to the Arab rule in the Iberian Peninsula between 711 & 1492 AD, notably in Al-Andalus (الأَنْدَلُس)

For Spanish Language Day a thread... 1/ Ojalá (Hopefully/Let’s hope so) –
from the Arabic word inshālla (ان شاء الله), meaning ‘God-willing’ or ‘if God wills’

Many may not think too deeply about the academic apparel required for their graduation ceremony. But some believe the familiar graduation outfit worn throughout the world today originated from the Arab clothing - thawb

A thread on Universities in Islamic history & thawbs… 1/ Founded by a Muslim woman, Fatima El-Fihriya in 859, Al-Qarawiyyan University, Fez in Morocco is one of the oldest universities in the world & the oldest library in Africa. It also holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest working university, & is still in use today

Because a colourful world is more beautiful…

From the bright buildings in Istanbul, to the ‘blue pearl’ of Morocco, here are 20 of the most colourful neighbourhoods and cityscapes across the Muslim world…

A thread… 1/ Colourful Beirut, Lebanon

The architecture of Lebanon embodies the historical, cultural and religious influences that have shaped Lebanon's built environment. It has been influenced by the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Umayyads, Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottomans and French.

Cats were valued by Islamic scholars, who are said to have kept them in their libraries, because they would prey on mice that would ruin books. Cats are often depicted in paintings alongside Islamic scholars & bibliophiles

For Caturday, a thread on cats, books and the Qur’an… 1/ “Cats do not invalidate the prayer because they are one of the things that are useful in the house”
- Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah. Ibn Majah 369

#Caturday

The incredibly unique contemporary Bab Al-Salam Mosque in Oman is nothing like you’ve ever seen before!

Designed in the form of a circular disc, borrowing from the moon, the windows in the shape of its crescents & its glass ball pendant symbolises the vault of heaven

A thread… 1/ ‘Allahu Nur as Samawati wa al Ard’ means Allah is the Pure, Primordial Light of both the Heavens and the Earth.

Surah An-Nur ayat 35

Bab Al-Salam Mosque

From the Kufi to the Taqiyah to the Ghuttra, headdress worn by men in Muslim cultures is wonderfully diverse and super stylish - influencing mainstream fashion over the centuries.

Art @IbrahimSincere

A thread on of headdress worn by men in Muslim cultures… 1/ Fes (Tarboosh/Peci)

A brimless, cylindrical hat made of red felt, traditionally worn in Morocco & other parts of North Africa. Known as the Fes in Turkiye, Russia & Central Asia & as the Peci In Indonesia, it also traditionally worn in parts of the former Ottoman Empire.

Did you know the iconic Tiffany lamp was inspired by Turkish glass lamps?

Designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, an American artist renowned for his innovative work in stained glass & decorative art. He found inspiration in the rich traditions of Islamic art & culture

A thread...

1/ Born into a family of artists in 1848, Tiffany's exposure to artistic influences from an early age laid the foundation for his eclectic style. Throughout his career, he showed an appreciation for the beauty of Islamic art, incorporating Islamic design into his own creations

The art of Henna has been practiced in South Asia, Africa & the Middle East for over 5000 years. The botanical name of the henna plant is Lawsonia inermis. A member of the Loosestrife family, henna originally comes from Egypt.
 
For Eid, a thread on henna in Muslim cultures… 1/ The English name henna comes from the Arabic term الحناء (al-ḥinnā). The name henna also refers to the dye prepared from the henna plant and the art of temporary tattooing from those dyes. Henna has been used for centuries to dye skin, hair & fingernails as well as fabrics

Tonight could be Laylat-al-Qadr - one of the holiest nights in the Islamic calendar, when Angel Jibril revealed the Qur'an’s first verses to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The first word of the Qur’an revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was ‘Iqra’ which means ‘Read’

A thread on Laylat-al-Qadr 1/‘Read: In the name of thy Lord who created. Created man from a leech like clot. Read: And your Lord is the Most Bountiful. He taught by the pen. He taught man which he knew not’ (Al-`Alaq 96:1-5)

#LaylatulQadr

Every spring roses bloom in the western Saudi city of Taif, turning pockets of the Kingdom’s vast desert landscape a vivid & fragrant pink.

In April, they are harvested for the essential oil used to cleanse the walls of the sacred Kaaba in Makkah

A thread on the roses of Taif… 1/ Thanks to its favorable climate, Taif is home to nearly a thousand rose farms, with aromatic blossoms stretching from Wadi Mahram to Al-Hada. This is perhaps why the city of Taif is no stranger to festivals themed around roses

Did you know that the Persian scholar of medicine, Ibn Sina (980-1037) suspected some diseases were spread by microorganisms.

To prevent human-to-human contamination, he came up with a method of isolating people for 40 days.

A thread on Ibn Sina & his impact on modern science… 1/ Ibn Sina, also known to the Latin West as Avicenna, was a Persian polymath and one of the most influential Islamic philosophers, physicians, and scientists of the medieval period. He was born in 980 CE in present-day Uzbekistan and passed away in 1037 CE in Iran.

Syria is the soul of the Arab world & is nicknamed paradise on earth. One of the oldest civilizations in the world, it is a region rich in history & culture. A famous feature of Syria is the traditional architecture of its courtyard homes.
 
A thread on courtyard homes in Syria… 1/ In the old city of Damascus, Syria, lies centuries old houses that are a staple of Syrian historical architecture. Damascus is a city of rich history and beautiful and unique architecture. In Damascus houses that are centuries old still remain

During the last 10 nights of Ramadan, many Muslims spend more time in Mosques in contemplation & prayer.

Mosque ceilings are designed to reflect the magnificence of the universe.

For Ramadan, here are spectacular details of 24 Mosque ceilings from around the world…

A thread… 1/ Jami Mosque, Andijan, Uzbekistan

The construction of the madrasah began in 1883 and lasted for 7 years. It has a gorgeous fretwork of wooden columns supporting a ceiling decorated with bright patterns made of a combination of geometrical ornaments & vegetal elements #Ramadan

Mosques are at the heart of Islamic life. Muslims spend much time inside mosques during Ramadan as they congregate for communal prayers. Many mosques are renowned for the beauty & artistry of their interiors.

For #Ramadan  we look inside 20 mosques across the world…

A thread… 1/ Putra Mosque, Malaysia

The principal mosque of Putrajaya, Malaysia. Construction of the mosque began in 1997 & was completed two years later. It is located next to Perdana Putra, which houses the Malaysian Prime Minister's office & man-made Putrajaya Lake #Ramadan

Spain is renowned for its Islamic heritage. A legacy left after the Islamic Empire ruled & conquered the Iberian peninsula in 711. By 732, Al-Andalus was established, leaving behind one of Europe’s finest Islamic art collections

A thread on Islamic art & architecture in Spain… 1/ In Spain, Islamic architecture is part of a larger movement that flourished in the Western Mediterranean area, leaving architectural marvels in modern Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, and Algeria.

📷 Life of Spain

Algeria known as the “Balcony of the Mediterranean” is at the crossroads of three worlds Mediterranean, Arab & African.

A thread on the beautiful Islamic architecture & rich heritage of Algeria… 1/ Dar Mustapha Pacha, Algeria

A Moorish palace, located in the Casbah of Algiers. It houses the National Museum of Miniatures, Illumination and Calligraphy.
It was built by the future Dey Mustapha Pacha between 1798 and 1799.

Chefchaouen شفشاون, is a city in northwest Morocco. It is renowned for its buildings in shades of blue, for which it is nicknamed the "Blue City.”

Chefchaouen is a cat city. Cats can be found everywhere - from markets to restaurants #Caturday

A thread on cats in Chefchaouen… 2/ Cat in Chefchaouen #Caturday

The most colourful Mosque in the world!

The Nasir ol Mulk Mosque is undoubtedly the most colourful mosque you have ever seen - located in Shiraz, Iran. Its intricate design and vibrant colour palette make it a notable example of Persian architecture #Ramadan

A thread… 1/ Completed in 1888, the mosque features stunning stained glass windows, ornate tiles, and delicate floral patterns, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and colour during sunrise #Ramadan

Most mosques feature a dome, called qubba in Arabic. The dome is a symbolic representation of the vault of heaven. The interior decoration of a dome often emphasises this symbolism using patterns to awe & inspire.

A thread on dome interiors in mosques across the world #Ramadan… 1/ Dome interior of The Putra Mosque, Putrajaya, Malaysia

Building began in 1997 & completed two years later. The pink-domed Mosque is constructed with rose-tinted granite & includes a prayer hall, courtyard & learning facilities. The mosque can accommodate 15,000 worshippers #Ramadan

The colour blue (al-azraq) in Islamic tradition often signifies the impenetrable depths of the universe, and turquoise blue is thought to have mystical qualities.

For Ramadan, here are 24 beautiful Islamic buildings & mosques, designed using the colour blue…

A thread… 1/ Jalil Khayat Mosque, Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq

The largest mosque in the city, it was begun by Jalil Khayat who died in 2005 & completed in 2007 by his sons in memory of their father. The blue style resembles the Mosque of Muhammad Ali in Cairo & Blue mosque in Istanbul #Ramadan